With each step in my own journey, I'm sure I'll reach my goal. This first week of 2012 was a good week. I decided to focus on my 250 word a day challenge with MINGLED...and beat it.
Last week - 29,500 word count
Beginning this week - 32,000 word count
#writemotivation - I've started my first book, Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, so I'm on my way to meeting my "read 2 books for the month of January 2012" goal. I posted at least 3 posts and commented on a lot more than 10 to 15 other blogs for the week.

Here's a snippet of MINGLED:

Valen threw his hands in the air, exasperated. “There are girls here if you - ”

He cut short as Thane bent forward, revealing two long swaths of dark feathers pressed against his back. Thane groaned and brought his face near to his knees. Long, downy feathers, pitch black, sprang free from their restraint, rising like dense shadows from his skin. As he returned to his full height, his wings stretched wide with all their brilliance, soaking in the waning sun, stealing all the color into its dark beauty. I’d seen them before, but in worst circumstances. Yet, like the others in the room, I stared slack jawed in awe.

“This,” he said, gesturing to his wings, “is what I am. And if what I learned today is true, you are all little more than pawns in a high stakes game, nothing Special at all.”

So here's a goal roll call to remind and inspire: How are you doing with your goals?

I so want to read Under the Never Sky. Apparently the launch last Saturday was fabulous! Sounds like your motivation is right on top of those goals! After one week, I am still on target.... Let's keep at it!

Two fifty words a day is good target because in my experience you usually exceed it and feel inordinately good. Too ambitious a target that you fail to reach needlessly brings you down. Routine is everything, even when you feel least inspired. Routine carries you through. Good luck for 2012 Angela

Mike - I believe you're right. Setting and meeting a realistic goal is so much better than trying for bonkers and failing every time. Definitely not good for writing morale and terrible for setting up a routine.

I'm curious as to what Valen and Thane are. Thanks for sharing the snippet.

Yea, for reaching your writing goal. I got through all my revisions and edits last week and roll onto the next deadline. My goal this week is to edit what I wrote so far, then start writing furiously next week. At least 5,000 words a week.

I started my second book this month. I'm surprised. I usually read slower than that. I read until I'm sleepy before bed.

I have a new WIP that I'm writing because I'll go crazy if I don't. Though I am trying to work up the nerve to query widely. It's always been my problem. I query only a teeny tiny bit then give up. I'm a wuss!

Congrats on all your great goal success! I wish I could say I have been as successful. BUT... I have been making progress! Not always specifically what I thought, but progress nonetheless. That counts, right?

Started a reading/review challenge that will help me a lot with my "Review at least 25 books in 2012" resolution, so that is going good. Also, have #writemotivation to fall back on to keep my writing on track. So far things are looking pretty nice for my first 9 days into the new year. Glad to hear everything is going good for you as well.

Beautiful writing. :) Great imagery. I'm writng a few YA at the moment. My goals for 2012 is to 'bag' me an agent. :) I have a dream agent in mind so all fingers and toes crossed she loves me:) ( That isn't stalkerish at all ) lol.I look forward to following you!

Looks like I agree with Jess, I'm loving this line: "Long, downy feathers, pitch black, sprang free from their restraint, rising like dense shadows from his skin."

My goals, well, let's just say, my "issues" in life are totally getting in the way! I absolutely have gotten plum depressed about my neck problem. Sitting at the computer makes my head feel like a thousand pound bowling ball balancing on a broken twig!!